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Environmental Facts
Reduction in Energy CostsECO-Block buildings consistently reduce monthly utility costs over the life of the structure. In turn, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be sized appropriately to reap even more savings. Manufacturing & RecyclingFrom the initial manufacturing of our ICF product, to the construction site, to finished structure, ECO-Block has designed its system and process to be kind to the environment. In addition to manufacturing under environmentally clean conditions, ECO-Block forms are 50 percent more efficient to ship and handle than other ICFs. ECO-Block ICFs reduce the pressure on precious natural resources by replacing lumber used in frame construction, with an environmentally clean product. No CFCs, HCFs or other ozone-depleting substances are used or released during any process. Manufacturing waste is negligible and construction waste is also minimal. By weight, 40% of the ECO-Block ICFs are made from recycled material. Energy StarECO-Block homes have been rated as Energy Star Homes by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This qualifies some home buyers for the FHA's Energy-Efficient Mortgage Program. Energy Star, a government-backed rating program, helps businesses and individuals protect the environment by promoting superior energy efficiency. Qualified homes are independently verified to be significantly more energy-efficient than homes built using traditional construction practices. Savings are base on heating, cooling and hot water energy use. Additionally, homes that meet Energy Star's standards improve structural quality and reduce both energy demand and air pollution. The program also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality. Energy Efficient MortgageThe FHA has created an Energy-Efficient Mortgage (EEM) program to help achieve national energy-efficiency goals, reduce pollution and provide better housing for people who might not otherwise be able to afford it. First, the home must be evaluated according to the Home Energy Rating System, which requires a home to exceed energy codes by 30 percent. The Home Energy Rating system awards stars on a scale of one to five. ECO-Block homes typically receive five stars, earning the designation of the Energy Star Home. In turn this qualifies certain buyers for the Energy-Efficient Mortgage. This program allows buyers of energy-efficient homes to qualify for up to a five percent stretch in their debt-to-income ratio due to lower monthly utility cost. FHA-approved lending institutions, which include banks, savings and loan institutions and mortgage companies, can make EEM loans. Optimal Interior EnvironmentBuilding with ECO-Block eliminates air infiltration through the wall assembly into a structure, which allows for greater control of a building's interior air quality. There are no drafts or cold spots, thus greatly reducing the amount of fuel needed for heating and cooling. Additionally, walls constructed with ECO-Block Insulated Concrete Forms dramatically reduce outside noise pollution. The result is a quiet and peaceful living environment. Mold and Moisture-ResistantThe ECO-Block Insulated Concrete Walls provide a building envelope that is both airtight and resistant to water infiltration. The inorganic nature of the ECO-Block ICFs means they do not support mold growth; ensuring a superior indoor air quality free from unwanted allergens, pollutants and mold. LEEDThe Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, a program of the U.S. Green Building Council, evaluates the total environmental performance of a building over its life cycle. ECO-Block ICFs contribute significantly toward the credits in several LEED certifications areas. |